Liverpool kept alive their title hopes as they edged past Swansea City in a thriller at Anfield this afternoon.

Two goals each from Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge were just enough to see off a determined Swans side, who can go back to Wales with their heads held high.

The Reds got off to a great start but never really played well, and in truth they struggled against Swansea’s pressing game. Indeed this was demonstrated by the fact they surrender possession many times in their own half.

Indeed, Jonjo Shelvey, a former Liverpool man himself, was allowed far too much space at times and he capitalised on the space by firing in Swansea’s first goal.

Liverpool’s defending was also poor with the nervy play echoed by the crowd.

Daniel Agger looked rusty and Simon Mignolet, the goalkeeper, caused some problems for his defence with his reluctance to come off his line.

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However, like against Fulham, Liverpool didn’t play well but win – and that is the most important thing as they try to keep pace with the league leaders.

With Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all winning it was vital for Liverpool to continue their momentum, especially with away trips to Southampton and Manchester United coming up in the next couple of weeks.

It wasn’t so long ago that we were complaining about playing well and not winning – so it is a good sign when you don’t play well and win.

This is a new attribute that Liverpool have acquired under Brendan Rodgers – and now the Reds are grinding out results when struggling to bring their best

Who knows where they can finish at the end of the season.

Liverpool’s English striker Daniel Sturridge (up) beats Swansea City’s Dutch goalkeeper Michel Vorm (L) to score the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Swansea City at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England on February 23, 2014. (Picture: Getty)

Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge (right) celebrates scoring his teams third goal of the game with teammate Luis Suarez during the Barclays Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. (Picture: PA)

Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge scores his teams third goal of the game during the Barclays Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. (Picture: PA)

Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge celebrates after scoring his second goal against Swansea City during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Sunday Feb. 23, 2014. (Picture: AP)

Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge (R) is congratulated by Luis Suarez (L) after scoring the 3-2 goal during the English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Road stadium in Liverpool, Britain. (Picture: EPA)

Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson celebrates after scoring his first goal against Swansea City during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Sunday Feb. 23, 2014. (Picture: AP)

Wilfried Bony of Swansea City scores his team’s third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Swansea City at Anfield on February 23, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Picture: Getty)

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Jordan Henderson of Liverpool scores the second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Swansea City at Anfield on February 23, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool scores his team's third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Swansea City at Anfield on February 23, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool scores his team’s third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Swansea City at Anfield on February 23, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Liverpool’s Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez (L) goes down in the penalty area under a challenge from Swansea City’s Spanish midfielder Jose Alberto Canas (R) with no foul given during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Swansea City at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England on February 23, 2014. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW YATES

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Brendan Rodgers manager of Liverpool shakes hands with Garry Monk manager of Swansea City before the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Swansea City at Anfield on February 23, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Jordan Henderson of Liverpool scores the winning goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Swansea City at Anfield on February 23, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Jordan Henderson of Liverpool celebrates his second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Swansea City at Anfield on February 23, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Swansea City at Anfield on February 23, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Luis Suarez of Liverpool is tackled inside the penalty area by Jose Canas of Swansea City during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Swansea City at Anfield on February 23, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Luis Suarez of Liverpool goes round Michel Vorm of Swansea City during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Swansea City at Anfield on February 23, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)